2000 Volkswagen Passat 2.7 from North America

Summary:

A good car with unreliable electronics

Faults:

My two low beam lights went out at the same time after 35,000 miles.

The monsoon stereo system has lost its pre-settings at approximately 40,000 miles.

One brake light has gone out at approximately 40,000 miles.

When taking turns, not overly fast, an engine warning light will flash instructing the driver to stop the car and check the engine oil.

The computer has also had a defect that caused a false warning message. This was paid for by VW, but only after I pushed the issue and authorized payment in advance.

General Comments:

The car handles well and has been fairly reliable other than the electrical system.

The manufacturer does not confess that Passats are known for electrical.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 14th August, 2003

22nd Oct 2008, 23:06

My 2000, purchased in 2001 with very few miles works great, but after about 1 month of owning it the "check engine" and "Emmissions Workshop" light kept coming on. After paying dealer to check it out, they said nothing was wrong, they just needed to "reset" it. 2 wks later same thing. Over the last 7 years I have had the dealership "reset" the lights only to have them come back on within a week of repairing. Now they want me to "leave the car with them for a few days so they can really check it out". Last month when I did that it cost me $700.00 to repair the interior gas smell which was a recall by VW who only covered $90.00 of the $700.00.

I had the problem with the drivers window not being able to control whether it was going up or down. Now the lastest crazy thing is having my turn signals "disappearing". Last summer the driver's side disappeared, no broken parts, just the cord hanging out. Last month the passenger side turn signal "disappeared", again, no side of someone breaking it, just an empty hole with the cord hanging out. Cost me $72.00 each time to replace. Anyone else have this problem? Also when I start the engine up cold, even when it's 90 degrees out, my co-workers ask me if I have a jet engine it's so loud. Only lasts about 3 minutes then is fine. Neighbors are starting to complain!

All that said though, next to the Nisson Sentra, it's been the most comfortable, stylish car, to drive.

2000 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4 cylinder turbo from North America

Summary:

A sports car that mutated into a station wagon!

Faults:

After about 25,000 miles, the air sensor went; still under warranty, so it was fixed for free.

The plastic under the engine got all torn up when I flew into an alley too fast, then happened again when someone tried to park it on a curb. Passat's have extraordinary handling because they're very low to the ground, so drive it carefully. Gas mileage is horrendous, but I suppose it's my fault, due to my lead foot, and the turbo doesn't help economy that much either.

General Comments:

This car drives like a BMW! Breakneck acceleration even though it has an automatic transmission, it can turn on a dime, sticks to the road like glue, and it handles like a jet fighter when you hit triple digit speeds, and it's hard to keep it under a hundred when you're on the country roads.

The brakes in my opinion couldn't be better; they stop you, no matter the circumstance.

The only station wagons I can think of that could top the Passat would be the BMW, Saab, or Mercedes.

The only bad thing performance wise would be the semi auto transmission mode; to be honest it's not really responsive, and it winds up slowing your acceleration.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th August, 2003

2000 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8 Turbo 20V from North America

Summary:

My worst nightmare

Faults:

"Emissions Workshop!" & Check Engine Light.

This happened over and over from 15K to 40K miles.

Dealer and VW could never find the fundamental problem.

Don't buy a VW.

General Comments:

Very nice car if it could run for more than a week with the check engine light off. Comfortable seats, agile, loved the bunwarmers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th April, 2003

22nd Oct 2003, 01:43

Actually, the "Emissions/Workshop" light probably results from a vacuum hose, a recall item for the 2000 Passat, that any VW dealership will repair for free.

23rd Oct 2003, 09:42

Same problem here, my sister also has the same problem with her jetta. VW should do something about this, no one is going to buy their cars again.

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